Rabaul Tours

Rabaul Papua New Guinea.

A destination like no other.

Formerly referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’ Rabaul Papua New Guinea is like nowhere else in Asia Pacific. A still active volcano stands sentinel at one of the most scenically beautiful harbours on earth. Rabaul possesses a unique atmosphere. Much of the town still lies eerily under fallen ash from the last major eruption yet in the eastern precinct modern-day life flourishes around the port of Simpson Harbour.

Rabaul today is becoming a very popular destination for visiting cruise-liners. The key attraction lies in the unique blend of present-day beauty and former disaster and upheaval. The stunning scenery is best viewed from viewpoints atop Namanula and Observatory Hills but a visit to the Duke of York Islands is a must too. There are often dolphins frolicking in Simpson Harbour and even magnificent diving opportunities.

History buffs are also sure to be fascinated by the vast amount of World War II history left behind after the Japanese occupation. Close to 600kms of tunnels were constructed during this time some of which can still be explored today and relics abound in situ such as gun emplacements and fallen aircraft. The Kokopo War Museum is also a must.

South Sea Horizons have a headquaters here and are the experts in Rabaul. Learn more about our range of Rabaul Tours below.

RABAUL MASK FESTIVAL

Itinerary

Duration: 10 days/9 nights

Day 1 – Rabaul

Welcome to Papua New Guinea! Touch down at Rabaul Airport (aka Tokua Airport), where you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6.30 pm in the reception area. You’ll learn a bit about the history of Rabaul from the hotel owner, enjoy a welcome drink at the bar, and perhaps head out for an optional dinner with fellow travellers. If arriving early, be sure to explore and get a feel for the town. Rabaul’s nickname ‘Pearl of the Pacific’, though apt, was replaced with ‘Pompeii of the Pacific’ after the devastating eruption of Tarvurvur volcano in 1994. Despite this loss, Rabaul is still an alluring destination of beauty and depth.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 2 – Duke of York Islands

Marvel at the force of Mother Nature from the base of an active volcano. From here you will be picked up by your vessel and transported to the Duke of York Islands. While each island around East New Britain has its own personality and story, the Duke of York Islands are where you’ll experience the real PNG. Cruise around the islands and hear some local history while taking in a wonderful array of colours. Keep an eye out for dolphins, dugong (sea cows with forked tails) and local fishing canoes. The waters around here are crystal-clear blue lagoons, the beaches are white, and the vegetation is lush – it’s a real slice of paradise. Today’s tour includes a barbecue lunch cooked on one of the beaches. Afterwards there will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the hospitality of the locals. You’ll also make a stop at Mioko Island to learn more about traditional weaving, cooking and fishing. Enjoy a traditional sing-sing (a gathering of tribes for cultural performance) and an overnight village stay.

Accommodation

Village stay

Included Activities

Duke of York Islands – Mioko Island tour & sing sing

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 3 – Rabaul

Rise for an early breakfast and take in scenes of local life. After a briefing on the rest of the day’s activities, you’ll depart the Duke of York Islands and be dropped back at Vunagum by mid morning. Your tour of the area includes a trip to the Rabaul Markets (keep some small denominations of PNG Kina (5–10 kina notes) handy for trinkets or local fruits and snacks). Visit Yamamoto’s Bunker to learn more about the genius behind Japan’s early WWII naval successes. Then, across the street, check out the remains of the Old Nuigini Club and gain some insight into what Rabaul was like both pre- and post-eruption, and pre-independence. After a visit to the Japanese Submarine Base, make a stop at the Volcano Observatory for a look out over Old Rabaul – a fantastic photo opportunity. Also explore the Japanese tunnels and barge tunnels at Karavia Bay. There’s a fascinating maze extending some 20 metres underground, made up of three stories, a kitchen and various escape routes. Lunch today will be at a hotel in Rabaul. In the evening, enjoy some free time to relax back at the hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Rabaul – Old Niugini Club

Rabaul – Japanese Submarine Base & Tunnels

Rabaul – Rabaul Markets

Rabaul – Yamamoto’s Bunker

Rabaul – Karavai Ceremony

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 4– Rabaul

Travel around to see the sights around Kokopo today. Your tour of the area includes a visit to the Bitapaka War Cemetery, where the first Australians who fought here during the first and second world wars have been laid to rest. Hear about the 2nd/22nd Battalion and the interesting war history of Rabaul – namely the Battle of Rabaul, also known by the Japanese as Operation R. You will also visit the Blue Lagoon, where you can see some Japanese barge tunnels. These tunnels were built by the Japanese to conceal their barges and to protect them from the bombing raids of the Allies in World War II. Finally, check out the nearby volcano and hot springs. Here you can stand at the base of the volcano and marvel at the force of Mother Nature.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Kokopo – Bitapaka War Cemetery

Kokopo – Blue Lagoon

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 5 – Rabaul Mask Festival

Your reward for a 4:30 am start today is the Kinavai ceremony, a re-enactment of the landing of the Tolai People into Rabaul. The canoes paddle across the water at the break of dawn, and you can hear the canoes and the chants long before you see them. The stillness of the morning air coupled with the chanting makes for a riveting spectacle. Then, after breakfast back at the hotel, it’s time to delve into the first day of the Mask Festival, so get amongst the colourful array of PNG cultures on display. Dance groups perform throughout the day here, and you’ll see and hear an amazing variety of songs and instruments. Each clan has a unique beat, and each culture a distinct dance. After an early optional dinner, head up to Kainagunan or Gaulim Village in the Baining area (approximately 50 minutes from the hotel). Here you’ll watch as the men from the Baining clans immerse themselves in flames and escape unscathed. It’s an exhilarating ritual performed nowhere else in the world. Interestingly, the Baining people are one of few cultures in PNG that doesn’t use the Kundu drum; they use bamboo instead.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Rabaul Mask festival and Kinavai festival

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6 – Rabaul Mask Festival

Enjoy a free day to soak up the festivities. With your hotel situated right next door to the festival grounds, you can come and go as you please, exploring at your own pace.

Included Activities

Rabaul Mask festival

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 7 – Rabaul Mask Festival

After breakfast your leader will give you a briefing on what to expect today at the show. We will then transfer the group to the show grounds for more of the festival. You will be given free reign to around the festival at your own pace and take in the sites.

Feel free to take a walk around Kokopo Town. We can organize a guide to show you around for a small tip to the local guide.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Rabaul Mask festival

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 8 – Matupit Island

Located directly across the bay from the currently active Tavurvur volcano, Matupit Island boasts a population of 200–300, many of whom have resettled throughout the province following the 1994 eruptions. On arrival you will be greeted by the islanders with frangipani leis (garlands) and be taken through the village, stopping by the locals schools, church and craft market. Take the opportunity to make purchases and participate in traditional crafts and activities. You’ll get a sense of how the local inhabitants survive on a day-to-day basis by seeing how important fishing and the collection of Megapode eggs are to the local economy (another major revenue stream is the coconut). You might find your own Megapode egg – or buy one from the local villagers – to take back to the hotel and have it cooked for your breakfast. Lunch today will be a traditional one, cooked right on the beach by your local friends. In the evening, return to Kokopo and check into the Rapopo Plantation Resort, your base until the end of the trip.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Kokopo – Dolphin watching &snorkelling

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 9 – Kokopo

Enjoy some free time today. You might like to partake in further activities, all of which are optional. Keen scuba divers can take a half-day trip to explore the incredible coral reefs and underwater World War II wreckage. Deep-sea game fishing is also possible. Those looking to relax and unwind might like to indulge in an ‘Island Massage’, sure to reinvigorate you after your week of adventuring. This is available at the resort. Otherwise, simply relax, unwind and take a refreshing swim in the pool. Say goodbye to your local leader, and perhaps enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers for one last celebration.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Kokopo – Kokopo Markets

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 10 – Departure Day

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. With no further activities planned, you’re free to depart at any time. A transfer to the airport is included.

RABAUL EXPERIENCE TOUR

Itinerary

Duration: 3 Hours

Your Itinerary Highlights:

Volcano Cruise – Discover the Volcano with unique ocean access to its base, where you will enjoy the sites not accessible by any other way.

Basket Weaving on Matupit Island – Be dropped off at Matupit Island which is under under the shadow of the volcano, it is under here we witness traditional basket weaving display by the local island inhabitants.

Traditional food cooked on the fire in the customary way for guest to sample.

Historical Rabaul and Kokopo by coach

Rabaul is rich in war history from World War I and II and we include the major sites on this historical tour by bus coach.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 Hours

Includes major sites of WW1 and WWII – The first Australian loss of lives in both wars was in Rabaul.

Japanese Underground Hospital – This underground hospital was set up during WWII by the Japanese with a system of tunnels, pulleys, a kitchen, quarters and camp area and a reminder of the causalities of war.

Japanese Submarine base – The Japanese Submarine base set up by Admiral Yamamoto in WWII to shelter the soldiers and submarines from air bombing raids.

Rabaul hotel – one of the only standing buildings after the last Volcanic eruption in 1994, It has hosted visitors since 1952 including Prime Ministers, sports start and HRH Prince Andrew Duke of York.

Yamamoto bunker – Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto commanded the entire Pacific campaign for the Japanese from this bunker including orchestrating the bombing of Pearl Harbour.

Volcanic Hot Springs – Visit the hot springs at the base of the Kaia – Tavurvur

RABAUL TOUR BOOKING REQUEST

Questions about Rabaul?

Please contact us using the form below with any queries about our Rabaul tours. We will reply to you promptly. Thank you

SOUTH SEA ON SOCIAL

About Us

South Sea Horizons is proudly PNG owned & operated. Since 2007 we have specialised in life-changing experiences along the Kokoda Track as well as exhilarating itineraries in Rabaul and Goroka. Our commitment is to low-impact tourism that gives-back to the communities we interact with.